Toxic

Chapter 30

I know in 2020 is when COVID-19 first made its appearance, but I will not be including any of that in the book. Lol If it bothers you just use your imagination 😘😂

Excuse any of my mistakes!!

February 3rd, 2020

"Ugh, I'm so over being pregnant" Raven complained as she leaned over on the counter next to the register. Tomorrow would make 36 weeks for her, and all she wanted to do was get this little girl out of her so she could have her body back. She was sad that her face began to swell right at the end of her pregnancy, but she was thankful for her child nonetheless.

"I don't know how many times I have to tell you to take your time off, your job will be here when you're ready to come back." Denver said as she folded another shirt to go on the shelf. She was a boss that was more than fair, the bonus that she'd snuck on Raven's last paycheck was a nice little chunk of change for her to put to the side. She had been saving for a while now so she wasn't worrying herself about that, nor bills seeing that she was still in the house with her parents. Marco had been spending the last few weeks getting the house together and prepared for the arrival of baby Zuriyah. They both had come to a mutual agreement that she would keep the house while Marco had found himself some place else to call home. They both felt like it was more than fair, because after all it was his shit that had her in this predicament.

Marco sold all of the old furniture that was in the house and let her do whatever she wanted to do when it came to decor, on his dime of course. Raven had picked out a new color scheme, brand new furniture, including a king-sized bed, and even went as far as repainting the whole home. The painter had finished last week, but she had an artist coming in to draw a mural in Zuriyah's nursery. After that her and her dad would spend some time putting together all of the baby's furniture, or she would sit and boss him around... same thing.

"I'm hiring a couple new people for this store, and for the one in Morrow anyways. It's almost time for Dianna to be a full-time student, and you're about to pop any day now. We'll be fine I promise."

"Yeah yeah, I guess with the time off I can help you with wedding things" She smiled wide. If nobody else was, Raven was so happy that her friend was getting married. She deserved it.

"Girl mind your pregnant business, I have a planner for that. We're thinking mid-December"

"Really?? Damn yall just got engaged... you pregnant?" Raven joked

"Let me busy myself elsewhere, 'cause clearly you have lost your damn mind" Walking away Raven laughed as she pulled out her phone. Marco had texted her some images of her new and improved home, and she had to say she was impressed. It looked like a completely new home.

Unbeknownst to Raven, Denver and her parents along with the help of Marco had planned her a surprise baby shower. Decorators and caterers have been paid to aide the day in going smoothly. The only thing Denver was worried about was getting Raven in a nice dress, getting her makeup done and to the designated building without a hitch. It was very last minute, and they were cutting it close to her due date but Denver was hoping  everything would go as planned.

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Another day had come to an end as the ladies were preparing to close up shop. Diana had already clocked out for the day and Raven was waiting on Denver to set the alarm so they could leave.

"Alright girl, gone home and put those feet up. I love you niecey pooohhhh" She cooed at Raven's belly

"Okay be safe sista gal, Ill see you tomorrow"